Published - | Updated - March 2, 2023 05:53 am
30 Views
The West Indies broke down on the second day of the first Test against South Africa on Wednesday at SuperSport Park in Centurion before putting the match away with an amazing comeback. Fast bowler Anrich Nortje took four wickets in just four overs, giving South Africa an edge over the West Indies of 130 runs in the first innings. However, the West Indies spinners claimed four South African wickets prior to the conclusion of play, leaving the hosts with a score of 49 for 4, a deficit of 179 runs.
West Indies appeared to be very stable at 169 for three and a half hours after tea thanks to patient duo of leading scorer Raymon Reifer and partner Roston Chase. Nonetheless, following balls struck out both batters, ending the inning. Reifer was out for 63 as he was caught behind off the final ball of a Marco Jansen over. Chase was dismissed for 22 runs after edging the first ball of the next over from Kagiso Rabada to first slip.
Then Nortje took charge. When the stubborn partnership between Reifer and Jermaine Blackwood had already been broken, he rushed in to claim four more wickets, finishing with five for 36. The outcome was his fourth five-wicket haul.
The final seven wickets of West Indies were lost for a combined total of 43 runs.
Aiden Markram, who produced a century in the first innings, inspired South Africa to smash 31 runs in the first four overs of their second innings.
Dean Elgar, though, was once more ejected after being caught by Alzarri Joseph at third base.
a new cap Temba Bavuma, the new captain, was also out on the first pitch to Joseph after Tony de Zorzi was caught behind on Kemar Roach’s first ball. Bavuma was able to complete a “pair” with it despite having only faced three balls in two innings.
After being inserted into the match to deliver the final over of the day, Keegan Petersen was caught leg before wicket by Jason Holder after facing just one ball.
Markram arrived unbeaten on 35.
Eleven wickets were lost between tea and the conclusion.
Reifer and Blackwood fended off South Africa’s four-pronged fast bowling attack for the majority of a taxing afternoon. Only 65 runs were achieved between lunch and tea for the loss of Blackwood’s wicket in 29 overs.
Blackwood scored 37 as part of a 64-run third-wicket partnership with Reifer before being caught behind by wicketkeeper Heinrich Klaasen off an inside edge.
The left-handed Reifer showed grit and bravery by scoring 63, his highest score in six Tests. He batted for more than four hours and faced 143 balls.
Also Read : Day 1 Highlights of the first Test between South Africa and the West Indies: West Indies Battle Back Following Markram Century